When a loved one joins the U.S. Coast Guard, families quickly hear unfamiliar terms like Sector, Station, Cutter, Patrol Boat, MSST, or TACLET.
The Coast Guard has a mission set unlike any other U.S. military branch — blending military, law enforcement, humanitarian, and maritime safety operations.
This guide breaks down how Coast Guard units are organized, where your Coast Guardsman might serve, and what each type of unit actually does.
It’s accurate, simple, and written for families who want to understand the Coast Guard structure clearly.
The Coast Guard Organization (Largest to Smallest)
- Districts
- Sectors
- Stations
- Cutters (ships 65 ft+)
- Small Boat Stations
- Deployable Specialized Forces (MSST, TACLET, MSRT, etc.)
- Aviation Units (Air Stations)
- Detachment Teams & Operational Elements
Let’s break each down.
1. Coast Guard Districts — Regional Command
The U.S. Coast Guard is divided into nine Districts, each responsible for a large region of coastline, waterways, and maritime operations.
Examples:
- District 1 (D1): New England
- District 5 (D5): Mid-Atlantic
- District 7 (D7): Florida / Southeast
- District 8 (D8): Gulf of Mexico / Mississippi River
- District 11 (D11): California
- District 14 (D14): Hawaii / Pacific Territories
- District 17 (D17): Alaska
Families will occasionally hear “D7” or “District 8” — this simply refers to the regional command.
2. Sectors — The Core of Coast Guard Operations
A Sector is the backbone of the Coast Guard. This is where most operational decisions occur.
Sectors oversee:
- small boat stations
- cutters
- search and rescue (SAR) coordination
- pollution response
- maritime inspections
- port security
- waterways management
Examples:
- Sector Jacksonville
- Sector Charleston
- Sector San Diego
- Sector Boston
- Sector Homer (Alaska)
Your Coast Guardsman may belong to a Sector, even if they work at a smaller unit inside it.
3. Stations — Search & Rescue and Everyday Maritime Operations
Stations are where many Coast Guardsmen perform daily operations.
Stations conduct:
- search and rescue (SAR)
- law enforcement
- small boat patrols
- migrant interdiction
- port safety
- emergency response
- navigational assistance
Stations are located all along the U.S. coastline, inland lakes, rivers, and major ports.
Typical Boats Found at Stations:
- 45’ Response Boat–Medium (RB-M)
- 29’ Response Boat–Small (RB-S)
- 47’ Motor Lifeboat (MLB) — used in extreme surf conditions
Life at a station is fast-paced, mission-focused, and highly respected.
4. Cutters — Ships 65 Feet and Larger
The term cutter is unique to the U.S. Coast Guard. Any vessel 65 ft+ with accommodations for crew is a cutter.
There are several major classes:
National Security Cutters (WMSL)
- Long-range, long-endurance
- Used for global missions
- Counter-narcotics, homeland security, overseas patrols
Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC — new class)
Replacing older Medium Endurance Cutters.
Medium Endurance Cutters (WMEC)
- Key law enforcement platforms
- High-seas patrols
- Counter-smuggling
- Search & rescue
Fast Response Cutters (WPC)
- 154 ft
- Coastal patrols
- Port security
- Counter-narcotics
- Migrant interdiction
Polar Icebreakers
Operate in the Arctic and Antarctic — rare, high-profile assignments.
Cutter Crews
Depending on cutter type, crews range from 20–150+ personnel.
Life aboard a cutter includes:
- weeks to months underway
- law enforcement
- drug interdiction
- maritime safety checks
- joint operations with the Navy or partner nations
5. Small Boat Stations
Smaller than Sectors but critical for local response.
These units cover:
- surf rescue
- law enforcement patrols
- inland waterways
- search and rescue
Most new Coast Guardsmen will experience time at a small boat station during their career.
6. Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF)
These elite teams perform high-risk missions.
MSST — Maritime Safety & Security Team
- Port security
- Anti-terrorism
- Event security (Super Bowl, presidential visits)
MSRT — Maritime Security Response Team
- Counter-terrorism
- High-risk interdiction
- Hostage rescue - One of the most elite units in the Coast Guard.
TACLET — Tactical Law Enforcement Team
- Drug interdiction
- Deployments with Navy ships
- High-threat boarding missions
National Strike Force (NSF)
- Pollution response
- Chemical/hazardous incidents
- Disaster response
Port Security Units (PSU)
- Deploy worldwide
- Joint operations
- Often staffed by Coast Guard Reserve
These units are highly selective and operate globally alongside DoD partners.
7. Coast Guard Air Stations
Air Stations support:
- search and rescue
- medical evacuations
- disaster response
- law enforcement
- maritime patrols
Aircraft include:
- MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters
- MH-65 Dolphin helicopters
- HC-130 Hercules aircraft
- HC-144 Ocean Sentry
- C-27J Spartan
Coast Guard aviation units respond to emergencies around the clock.
8. Detachments & Specialty Elements
Small elements attached to other commands:
- Marine Safety Units (MSU)
- Aids to Navigation Teams (ANT)
- Recruiting Offices
- Marine Safety Detachments (MSD)
- Training detachments
- Cutter detachments
These teams handle specialized missions like inspections, navigation buoys, and repairs.
Where Your Coast Guardsman Might Be Assigned
At Training Completion (Cape May → A-School):
- Small boat station
- Cutter
- Sector support unit
- Air Station (if aviation support)
Later in Career:
- Specialized forces (MSST, TACLET, MSRT)
- Training units
- Overseas cutters
- Ice operations
- Joint forces commands
The Coast Guard offers one of the widest mission sets in the military.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a Station and a Sector?
A Sector oversees multiple Stations and Cutters.
How long are Coast Guard deployments?
- Cutters: 30–90 days
- Specialized forces: variable
- Stations: day missions (not deployments)
Can families visit Coast Guard units?
Stations often host open houses; cutters sometimes offer tours.
Do Coast Guardsmen get sea duty pay?
Yes, depending on assignment.
Do all Coast Guardsmen go to sea?
Not all — many serve at stations, aviation units, or support roles.
Final Thoughts for Families
The Coast Guard’s structure is unique — a blend of military service, maritime law enforcement, homeland security, and lifesaving operations. Understanding the units helps families follow their Coast Guardsman’s journey with clarity, confidence, and pride.
Whether they serve on a Fast Response Cutter, at a small boat station, inside a Sector command center, or with an elite TACLET or MSST team, every Coast Guard assignment plays a vital role in protecting America’s waterways and saving lives.